Seabirds and Kororā near Te Motu arai roa

Photo credit nzbirdsonline website and DOC

Seabirds are often described as the barometers of ocean health. In fact, Petrels have large nostrils encased in a tube, which allow them to adjust their behaviour according to weather conditions by detecting changes in pressure. Effectively working like a barometer.

Seabirds are a key creature for the Waiheke Marine Projects Protection and Regeneration focus. They are the most threatened group of birds globally according to the Northern Seabird Trust. On the Waiheke Marine Project resources web page there is an acknowledgement that “there has been a disturbing decline in our sea and shore birds over several decades”. 

Some seabird species are benefiting from active predator reduction initiatives, such as the pest eradication efforts of our sister project Te Korowai o Waiheke. But the overall threat to seabirds remains.

To the Northwest of Waiheke, at Ōtata in the Noises Islands, the pest free status is being maintained. This is key to protecting many of the resident native species like the Kororā (The little blue penguin) and Ōi (The grey-faced petrel), as they are ground dwelling and ground nesting. Further to this is understanding the essential role baitfish school’s play. Many seabirds travel great distances everyday to feed on these forage species. Baitfish are crucial to the health and wellbeing of many creatures that can be found in our ecosystem.

Waiheke Island has always had colonies of Kororā in residence, and Ōi nests can also be found in many of our coastal areas. Kororā are often called the world’s smallest penguin. They are endemic to Aotearoa and considered a declining species by DOC/IUCN Redlist. No species is more in the limelight currently than the Kororā, with the high visibility of the Kennedy Point Marina development happening in Pūtiki bay.

Waiheke Marine Project acknowledges that several mana whenua and community groups are actively working to highlight biodiversity issues, and that they are working to ensure that the developer (and Auckland Councils compliance teams) are following their Kororā management plans. This is all for the wellbeing of one of our most cherished Seabirds.

The Waiheke Marine Project with its whole system approach supports building awareness of interconnected issues and fuelling community engagement with all species (seabirds and marine life) in this treasured habitat around Waiheke Island.

Wahio I te toipoto kaua I te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart

Posted by the Steering group